After three days full of activities and events, FACHPACK closed its doors yesterday (26 September). With a high visitor turnout (37,000) and highly satisfying exhibitor number (1,455), the specialised trade fair for the packaging industry has proven itself in an increasingly difficult landscape for trade fairs.
Networking is key
The packaging sector has been through a lot in recent years. From the pandemic to supply chain issues, political crises, and a gargantuan mountain of new rules and regulations, this industry had to become weather-proof very quickly. With all these challenges in mind, the need for know-how exchange and networking has never been greater. FACHPACK has probably never had more stages and networking spaces than in the 2024 edition: From the established and well-respected PACKBOX to the INNOVATIONBOX for exhibiting companies up to SOLPACK 5.0, where alternative packaging solutions played the main role. And, even though I wasn’t “allowed” to attend this event myself, I was told that the “Women4Packaging” networking event turned out to be a great success. It’s obvious that this male-dominated industry requires more female leadership and perspectives – and FACHPACK’s clear commitment in this regard should be food for thought for all players in the industry when it comes to the next round of promotions.
A sound marketing strategy
One more reason for the success of this year’s FACHPACK can be found in the tireless work of Heike Slotta, Phuong Anh Do and their team. Their fresh marketing concept, their extensive presence on LinkedIn, and their friendly and approachable attitude have truly made an impression on many people I spoke with.
An opportunity for the converting sector
I am convinced that FACHPACK is a highly relevant event for our industry. It not only includes numerous producing companies – film and foil manufacturers as well as (specialty) paper manufacturers – but also suppliers such as roller manufacturers or providers of automation solutions, etc. Furthermore, we met quite a few key players from our industry who were “just visiting” the show. Even with the current battery boom, packaging will always play a main role in the converting sector – and giving FACHPACK a chance may turn out to be the right decision, as some first-time exhibitors alluded to me in conversations.
Positive outlook for 2025
Next year, FACHPACK will return alongside POWTECH TECHNOPHARM (both from 23-25 September 2025 in Nuremberg), which promises even more trade visitors thanks to the obvious synergies between the two co-located fairs. As someone mentioned in a conversation with me yesterday, “This event has the character of a small trade show, but with a large audience.” While it may sound paradoxical, I agree with their statement.
Written by Martin Hirschmann, Editor-in-Chief.